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4h ago

Severe Flooding in NSW Forces Evacuations and Overwhelms Emergency Services

Extreme rainfall from a coastal trough has inundated the Mid North Coast and Hunter region, displacing residents, closing schools, and leaving thousands without power as conditions are set to persist.

Wild weather continues to pound Australia's eastern coastline, with locals warned to prepare to head for higher ground.
new south wales australia flood may 20 2025
An SES truck comes to a halt ahead of a flooded bridge on the NSW Mid-North Coast.
An open paddock in a regional area covered in brown floodwaters along green grass

Overview

  • Over 270 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in areas like Taree, Mount Barrington, and Port Macquarie, causing rivers to exceed flood thresholds.
  • Evacuation orders are in place for towns including Taree, Dumaresq Island, Coopernook, and Wingham, with residents urged to follow SES instructions.
  • The NSW State Emergency Service has responded to more than 1,400 incidents and conducted 24 flood rescues in the past 24 hours.
  • Nearly 4,000 homes are without power, and close to 80 schools across the state have been closed due to flooding and hazardous conditions.
  • Meteorologists warn of continued heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and hazardous surf into the weekend, prolonging the flooding emergency.